The twenty-five stories inside are ten minute explorations into the lives of people struggling with humanity, quick glimpses into extraordinary worlds that leave lasting impressions...a little boy must wish the wrong wish to save his own life...a philanthropist comes clean about her fantastic past...an old woman uses her dying moments to see her estranged son...a grandson tragically learns the value of his namesake...a servant girl wins a noble boy's heart through uncommon kindness...a teenage boy comes out and brings the quarterback with him...a woman's plans for the last day of her life go wonderfully awry...a family nearly dies when old man winter loses his way...a tiny girl named Mouse savors the last moments of her fragile freedom...a king exacts final revenge on his wicked son...

Them Before Us has flipped the script on adult-centric attitudes toward marriage, parenthood, and reproductive technologies by framing these issues around a child’s right to be raised by both their mother and father. Set against a backdrop of sound research, the compelling stories throughout each chapter confirm that a child’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being depends on being loved by the two people responsible for their existence. It’s a paradigm shift that will impact the personal and the political, and reframe every marriage and family conversation across the globe. Them Before Us dispels many prevalent, harmful myths concerning children’s rights, such as: • Kids need only love and safety—moms and dads are optional. • Love makes a family—biology is irrelevant. • Marriage is about adults—it has nothing to do with kids. • Children are resilient and will “get over” divorce. • Studies show “no difference” in outcomes for kids with same-sex parents. • Sperm and egg donor kids are fortunate because they are so wanted. • Surrogacy is a great way to help wannabe parents have a baby. • Reproductive technologies are just like adoption. Are you tired of a culture that views adults as victims in family matters, when it’s clear that kids are the ones who truly pay the price? If so, we are your people, and this is your movement.

The first critical approach to the literary career of the 2009 National Book Award winner Understanding Colum McCann chronicles the Irish-born writer's journey to literary celebrity from his days as a teenage sportswriter for the Irish Press in the 1970s, through the publication of his award-winning first story, "Tresses," in 1990, to his winning the 2009 National Book Award in fiction for the international bestseller Let the Great World Spin. In this first critical study of McCann's body of work, John Cusatis provides an introduction to McCann's life and career; an overview of his major themes, style, and influences; and close readings of his two short story collections and five novels. Cusatis traces McCann's redefinition of the Irish novel, exploring the author's propensity for transcending aesthetic, cultural, ethnic, geographical, and social boundaries in his ascent from the status of "Irish novelist" to "international novelist." In the process, this study illuminates the various incarnations of McCann's perennial subject: exile, both geographical and emotional. Cusatis also delineates how the influences of McCann's Irish upbringing, penchant for international travel, and exhaustive and eclectic reading of literature manifest themselves in his fiction. Close attention is given to McCann's stylistic trademarks, such as his poetic voice, use of Christian symbolism, Irish and classical mythology, intertextuality, multiple viewpoints, nonlinear plot structure, and the merger of what McCann deems "factual truth" and "textual truth." Understanding Colum McCann makes use of the existing body of published interviews, profiles, and critical articles, as well as a decade of correspondence between Cusatis and McCann. With international interest in McCann on the rise, this first full-length study of his career to date serves as an ideal point of entrance for students, scholars, and serious readers, and offers the biographical and critical foundation necessary for a deeper understanding of McCann's fiction.

Created especially for the Australian customer! Your essential guide to being the best dad you can be Have you just found out you're going to be a dad, or perhaps you're already a brand new dad? Being a Great Dad is a comprehensive and practical guide to For Dummies dadhood, with advice on topics ranging from conception to looking after your baby, connecting with your little one and helping your child develop and grow. Know what to expect during pregnancy and birth -- be prepared as your baby grows and enters the world Prepare for a baby in the house -- find out the essential gear you'll need Keep baby safe and sound -- tips on how to baby proof your home and keep junior safe Be a hands-on dad - learn practical solutions to common parenting challenges Manage the work-life balance -- find out how to balance your work commitments and life outside work Be a stay-at-home-dad -- discover how to combine being primary care-giver for your child with paid work Choose the right school for your child -- examine the education choices available and what's best for your little one

This book addresses “containment” as it relates to interlocking discourses around the “War on Terror” as a global effort and its link to race and sexuality within the United States. The project emerged from the recognition that the events of 11 September 2001, prompted new efforts at containment with both domestic and international implications.

A look at the history of child kidnappings and abductions in the United States, the motives of the perpetrators, the activities of the media, and the results in the law and in public opinions.